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December 18, 2024                                                                                       (916) 553-4093

In Case You Missed It:
Los Angeles Daily News: We should be pragmatic about natural gas facilities like Aliso Canyon, not ideological

Ahead of the CPUC’s scheduled December 19 hearing, the Los Angeles Daily News published an op-ed from California Business Roundtable President Rob Laplsey that advocates for keeping Aliso Viejo, a critical part of California’s energy infrastructure, open. The facility provides needed stability for Southern California’s energy supplies and can help prevent electricity price spikes that are devastating to both residential and business customers.

Some highlights:

Energy prices in California have been climbing steadily over the past decade. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average residential electricity rate in California in 2022 was 25.77 cents per kilowatt-hour—nearly double the national average. For lower-income households, this translates into significant financial stress, forcing many to make difficult choices between essential needs like food, housing, and energy. These challenges are further exacerbated during periods of extreme weather, such as heatwaves or cold spells, when energy demand surges and the grid is stretched thin.

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In the case of Aliso Canyon, Governor Gavin Newsom deserves credit for striking a pragmatic policy balance between advancing California’s clean energy ambitions and safeguarding the needs of its most vulnerable residents. He and his administration have taken decisive steps to promote renewable energy development while also recognizing the importance of maintaining a stable and affordable energy supply. This balanced approach includes investments in energy efficiency programs, grid modernization, and incentives for low-income households to adopt clean energy solutions like rooftop solar and energy-efficient appliances.

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Aliso Canyon is a vital part of California’s energy infrastructure. It provides natural gas during peak demand periods when other sources can’t keep up. Without Aliso, we risk turning to dirtier, more expensive energy imports or forcing blackouts on businesses and families. It’s common sense: Keep Aliso Canyon open to ensure reliable, affordable energy for our state.

To read the entire op-ed, please visit: https://www.dailynews.com/2024/12/18/we-should-be-pragmatic-about-natural-gas-facilities-like-aliso-canyon-not-ideological/

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